Insecticidal compounds

ABSTRACT

A compound of formula (I): 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     where A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , G 1 , L, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , Y 1 , Y 2  and Y 3  are as defined in claim  1 ; or a salt or N-oxide thereof. 
     Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and to methods of using compounds of formula (I) to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This a continuation application from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/062,420, filed 4 Mar. 2011, which is a 371 application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2009/059560, filed 24 Jul. 2009, which claims the benefit of GB Patent Application No. 0816133.3 filed 4 Sep. 2008 and GB Patent Application No. 0907122.6 filed 24 Apr. 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference herein.

The present invention relates to certain isoxazoline derivatives with a four-membered ring as terminal group, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests.

Certain isoxazoline derivatives with insecticidal properties are disclosed, for example, in WO 2007/079162.

It has now surprisingly been found that certain isoxazoline derivatives with a four-membered ring as terminal group have insecticidal properties.

The present invention therefore provides a compound of formula (I)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of another C—H, C—R⁵, or nitrogen; G¹ is oxygen or sulfur; L is a single bond, or C₁-C₆alkylene; R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈alkylcarbonyl-, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; R² is hydrogen, or C₁-C₈alkyl; R³ is C₁-C₈haloalkyl; R⁴ is aryl or aryl substituted by one to three R⁶, or heteroaryl or heteroaryl substituted by one to three R⁶; Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that at least one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸; each R⁵ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₂-C₈alkenyl, C₂-C₈haloalkenyl, C₂-C₈alkynyl, C₂-C₈haloalkynyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-, aryl or aryl optionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰, or heteroaryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰; each R⁶ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; each R⁷ and R⁸ is independently hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈haloalkyl; each R⁹ is independently hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₈haloalkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-, C₁-C₈haloalkoxycarbonyl-, C₁-C₈alkylsulfonyl-, C₁-C₈haloalkylsulfonyl-, aryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- or aryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- where the aryl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹¹, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- where the heteroaryl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹¹; and each R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; or a salt or N-oxide thereof.

The compounds of formula (I) may exist in different geometric or optical isomers or tautomeric forms. This invention covers all such isomers and tautomers and mixtures thereof in all proportions as well as isotopic forms such as deuterated compounds.

The compounds of the invention may contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms, for example, in the —CR³R⁴— group or at the LR²Y¹Y³ carbon and may exist as enantiomers (or as pairs of diastereoisomers) or as mixtures of such. Further, where any Y group is SO, the compounds of the invention are sulfoxides, which can also exist in two enantiomeric forms.

Each alkyl moiety either alone or as part of a larger group (such as alkoxy-, alkylcarbonyl-, or alkoxycarbonyl-) is a straight or branched chain and is, for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, prop-2-yl, n-butyl, but-2-yl, 2-methyl-prop-1-yl or 2-methyl-prop-2-yl. The alkyl groups are preferably C₁ to C₆ alkyl groups, more preferably C₁-C₄, most preferably C₁-C₃ alkyl groups.

Each alkylene moiety is a straight or branched chain and is, for example, —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)—, —CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)—CH₂—, or —CH(CH₂CH₃)—. The alkylene groups are preferably C₁ to C₃ alkylene groups, more preferably C₁-C₂, most preferably C₁ alkylene groups.

Alkenyl moieties can be in the form of straight or branched chains, and the alkenyl moieties, where appropriate, can be of either the (E)- or (Z)-configuration. Examples are vinyl and allyl. The alkenyl groups are preferably C₂-C₆, more preferably C₂-C₄, most preferably C₂-C₃ alkenyl groups.

Alkynyl moieties can be in the form of straight or branched chains. Examples are ethynyl and propargyl. The alkynyl groups are preferably C₂-C₆, more preferably C₂-C₄, most preferably C₂-C₃ alkynyl groups.

Halogen is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

Haloalkyl groups (either alone or as part of a larger group, such as haloalkoxy) are alkyl groups which are substituted with one or more of the same or different halogen atoms and are, for example, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethyl or 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethyl.

Haloalkenyl groups are alkenyl groups, respectively, which are substituted with one or more of the same or different halogen atoms and are, for example, 2,2-difluoro-vinyl or 1,2-dichloro-2-fluoro-vinyl.

Haloalkynyl groups are alkynyl groups, respectively, which are substituted with one or more of the same or different halogen atoms and are, for example, 1-chloro-prop-2-ynyl.

In the context of the present specification the term “aryl” refers to a ring system which may be mono-, bi- or tricyclic. Examples of such rings include phenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, indenyl or phenanthrenyl. Preferred aryl groups are phenyl and naphthyl, phenyl being most preferred.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic ring system containing at least one heteroatom and consisting either of a single ring or of two or more fused rings. Preferably, single rings will contain up to three heteroatoms and bicyclic systems up to four heteroatoms which will preferably be chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. Examples of monocyclic groups include pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl and thiadiazolyl. Examples of bicyclic groups include quinolinyl, cinnolinyl, quinoxalinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiophenyl and benzothiazolyl. Monocyclic heteroaryl groups are preferred, pyridyl being most preferred.

Preferred values of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, Y¹, Y², Y³, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹, are, in any combination, as set out below.

Preferably no more than three of A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are nitrogen.

Preferably A¹ is C—H or C—R⁵, most preferably A¹ is C—H.

Preferably A² is C—H or C—R⁵, most preferably A² is C—H.

Preferably A³ is C—H or C—R⁵, most preferably A³ is C—H.

Preferably A⁴ is C—H or C—R⁵, most preferably A⁴ is C—H.

Preferably A⁵ is C—H or C—R⁵, most preferably A⁵ is C—H.

Preferably A⁶ is C—H or C—R⁵, most preferably A⁶ is C—H.

Preferably G¹ is oxygen.

Preferably L is a single bond.

Preferably R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methylcarbonyl-, or methoxycarbonyl-, more preferably hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, even more preferably hydrogen or methyl, most preferably hydrogen.

Preferably R² is hydrogen or methyl, most preferably hydrogen.

Preferably R³ is chlorodifluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl, most preferably trifluoromethyl.

Preferably R⁴ is aryl or aryl substituted by one to three R⁶, more preferably R⁴ is aryl substituted by two to three R⁶, even more preferably R⁴ is 3,5-dibromo-phenyl-, 3,5-dichloro-phenyl-, 3,4-dichloro-phenyl-, and 3,4,5-trichloro-phenyl-, most preferably R⁴ is 3,5-dichloro-phenyl.

Preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

More preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

Preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that only one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

More preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that only one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

More preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that only one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

Even more preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, O, S, SO, or SO₂, provided that one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

Even more preferably Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, O, S, SO, or SO₂, provided that only one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.

Yet even more preferably Y¹ and Y² are CR⁷R⁸ and Y³ is O, S, SO, or SO₂.

Most preferably Y¹ and Y² are CR⁷R⁸ and Y³ is S, SO, or SO₂.

For example, Y¹ and Y³ are CR⁷R⁸ and Y² is O, S, SO, or SO₂.

For example, Y¹ and Y³ are CR⁷R⁸ and Y² is S, SO, or SO₂.

In one embodiment Y¹ is C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, and Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸.

In one embodiment Y² is C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, and Y¹ and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸.

In one embodiment Y² is O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, and Y¹ and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸.

Preferably each R⁵ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₂-C₈alkenyl, C₂-C₈haloalkenyl, C₂-C₈alkynyl, C₂-C₈haloalkynyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-, more preferably each R⁵ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-, even more preferably bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-, most more preferably bromo, chloro, fluoro, nitro, or methyl.

Preferably each R⁶ is independently bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-, more preferably chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethoxy, most preferably bromo, chloro, or fluoro.

Preferably each R⁷ and R⁸ is independently hydrogen or methyl.

Preferably each R⁹ is independently hydrogen, cyano, methyl, trifluoromethyl, methylcarbonyl-, trifluoromethylcarbonyl-, methoxycarbonyl-, trifluoromethoxycarbonyl-, methylsulfonyl-, trifluoromethylsulfonyl-, or benzyl or benzyl where the phenyl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹⁰.

More preferably each R⁹ is independently hydrogen, methyl, trifluoromethyl, or benzyl or benzyl where the phenyl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹⁰.

Preferably each R¹⁰ is independently bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-, more preferably chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethoxy, most preferably bromo, chloro, or fluoro.

Preferably each R¹¹ is independently bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-, more preferably chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, or trifluoromethoxy, most preferably bromo, chloro, or fluoro.

A preferred embodiment are compounds of formula (Ia) where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are C—H, R³ is trifluoromethyl, R⁴ is 3,5-dichloro-phenyl, L is a bond, and G¹, R¹, R², Y¹, Y², and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof.

A preferred embodiment are compounds of formula (Ib) where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are C—H, R³ is trifluoromethyl, R⁴ is 3,5-dichloro-phenyl, L is CH₂, and G′, R¹, R², Y¹, Y², and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof.

A preferred embodiment are compounds of formula (I′)

wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of one another C—H or C—R⁵; L is a single bond; Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of one another O, S, SO or SO₂, or CR⁷R⁸, provided that at least two of Y¹, Y² and Y³ are CR⁷R⁸; R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R² is hydrogen or methyl; R³ is chlorodifluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl; R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R¹² and R¹³ are independently of one another hydrogen, halogen C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ haloalkyl.

Preferably A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of one another C—H or C—R⁵;

L is a single bond; Y¹, and Y³ are independently of one another CR⁷R⁸;

Y² is S, SO or SO₂;

R¹ is hydrogen; R² is hydrogen or methyl; R³ is trifluoromethyl; R⁵, is hydrogen, halogen or methyl; R⁷, R⁸ are independently of one another hydrogen or methyl; R¹² and R¹³ are independently of one another fluorine, chlorine or bromine

Certain intermediates are novel and as such form a further aspect of the invention. One group of novel intermediates are compounds of formula (XI)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof. The preferences for A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are the same as the preferences set out for the corresponding substituents of a compound of formula (I).

Another group of novel intermediates are compounds of formula (XII)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof. The preferences for A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are the same as the preferences set out for the corresponding substituents of a compound of formula (I).

Another group of novel intermediates are compounds of formula (XIII)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I) and X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo; or a salt or N-oxide thereof. The preferences for A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are the same as the preferences set out for the corresponding substituents of a compound of formula (I).

Another group of novel intermediates are compounds of formula (XIV)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof. The preferences for A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are the same as the preferences set out for the corresponding substituents of a compound of formula (I).

Another group of novel intermediates are compounds of formula (XV)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof. The preferences for A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are the same as the preferences set out for the corresponding substituents of a compound of formula (I).

The compounds in Tables 1 to Table 9 below illustrate the compounds of the invention.

Table 1:

Table 1 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is C═O, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in the table below.

(Ia)

Compound numbers R² Y¹ Y³ 1.01 H CH₂ CH₂ 1.02 H CH(Me) CH₂ 1.03 H C(Me)₂ CH₂ 1.04 H C(Me)₂ C(Me)₂ 1.05 Me CH₂ CH₂ 1.06 Me CH(Me) CH₂ 1.07 Me C(Me)₂ CH₂ 1.08 Me C(Me)₂ C(Me)₂

Table 2:

Table 2 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is C═N-OMe, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 3:

Table 3 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is N-Me, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 4:

Table 4 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is N—CH₂—C₆H₅, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 5:

Table 5 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is O, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 6:

Table 6 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is S, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 7:

Table 7 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is SO, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 8:

Table 8 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is SO₂, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

Table 9:

Table 9 provides 8 compounds of formula (Ia) where G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, Y² is SONH, and R², Y¹ and Y³ have the values listed in Table 1.

The compounds of the invention may be made by a variety of methods as shown in Schemes 1 to 4.

1) Compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen, can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (II) where G¹ is oxygen and R is OH, C₁-C₆alkoxy or Cl, F or Br, with an amine of formula (III) as shown in Scheme 1. When R is OH such reactions are usually carried out in the presence of a coupling reagent, such as N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (“DCC”), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (“EDC”) or bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphonic chloride (“BOP-Cl”), in the presence of a base, and optionally in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst, such as hydroxybenzotriazole (“HOBT”). When R is Cl, such reactions are usually carried out in the presence of a base, and optionally in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst. Alternatively, it is possible to conduct the reaction in a biphasic system comprising an organic solvent, preferably ethyl acetate, and an aqueous solvent, preferably a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate. When R is C₁-C₆alkoxy it is sometimes possible to convert the ester directly to the amide by heating the ester and amine together in a thermal process. Suitable bases include pyridine, triethylamine, 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine (“DMAP”) or diisopropylethylamine (Hunig's base). Preferred solvents are N,N-dimethylacetamide, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, ethyl acetate and toluene. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature. Amines of formula (III) are known from the literature or can be made using methods known to a person skilled in the art.

2) Acid halides of formula (II), where G¹ is oxygen and R is Cl, F or Br, may be made from carboxylic acids of formula (II), where G¹ is oxygen and R is OH, under standard conditions, such as treatment with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride. A preferred solvent is dichloromethane. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature.

3) Carboxylic acids of formula (II), where G¹ is oxygen and R is OH, may be formed from esters of formula (II), where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy. It is known to a person skilled in the art that there are many methods for the hydrolysis of such esters depending on the nature of the alkoxy group. One widely used method to achieve such a transformation is the treatment of the ester with an alkali hydroxide, such as lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, in a solvent, such as ethanol or tetrahydrofuran, in the presence of water. Another is the treatment of the ester with an acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid, in a solvent, such as dichloromethane, followed by addition of water. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 150° C., preferably from 15° C. to 100° C., in particular at 50° C.

4) Compounds of formula (II) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (IV) where X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, with carbon monoxide and an alcohol of formula R—OH, such as ethanol, in the presence of a catalyst, such as bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) dichloride, and a base, such as pyridine, triethylamine, 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine (“DMAP”) or diisopropylethylamine (Hunig's base). The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 50° C. to 200° C., preferably from 100° C. to 150° C., in particular at 115° C. The reaction is carried out at a pressure of from 50 to 200 bar, preferably from 100 to 150 bar, in particular at 120 bar.

5) Compounds of formula (IV) where X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, can be made by reaction of an oxime of formula (V) where X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, and a vinyl compound of formula (VI) in a two step reaction. In the first step, the oxime of formula (V) is reacted with a halogenating agent, for example a succinimide, such as N-chlorosuccinimide (“NCS”), in the presence of a suitable solvent, for example a polar solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide. The first step is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature.

In the second step, the chloro hydroxy imine intermediate of formula (V′) is reacted with the vinyl compound of formula (VI) in the presence of a base, for example an organic base, such as triethylamine, or an inorganic base, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, in the presence of a suitable solvent, for example a polar solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide or isopropanol. It is possible to conduct these two steps separately and optionally to isolate the chloro hydroxy imine intermediate or more conveniently to conduct these two steps successively in one reaction vessel without isolation of the intermediate. The second step is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature. Vinyl compounds of formula (VI) are commercially available or can be made by methods known to a person skilled in the art.

6) Compounds of formula (V) where X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, can be made by reaction of an aldehyde of formula (VII) where X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, with a hydroxylamine, such as hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Such reactions are carried out in the presence of a base, for example an organic base, such as triethylamine or sodium acetate, or an inorganic base, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, optionally in the presence of a solvent, for example an alcohol, such as methanol or ethanol, or water, or mixtures thereof. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature. Aldehydes of formula (VII) are commercially available or can be made by methods known to a person skilled in the art.

7) Compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen and one of Y¹, Y² and Y³ is SO or SO₂ and the remaining Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently CR⁷R⁸, can be made from a compound of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen and one of Y¹, Y² and Y³ is S (or SO) and the remaining Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently CR⁷R⁸, by treatment with an oxidising reagent, such as potassium permanganate, 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (“MCPBA”), sodium periodate/ruthenium(II) oxide, hydrogen peroxide and oxone. One equivalent of oxidising reagent is required to convent a sulfide to a sulfoxide, or a sulfoxide to a sulfone. Two equivalents of oxidising reagent are required to convent a sulfide to a sulfone. Preferred solvents are tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, ethyl acetate, toluene, dichloromethane and water, or mixtures thereof. The reaction is optionally carried out in the presence of a base, for example a carbonate, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature. Alternatively, these transformations can be carried out on an amine of formula (III) or on a protected form of an amine of formula (III). For protecting groups suitable for amines, see, for example, Greene's Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4th Edition, P. G. M. Wuts, T. W. Greene, October 2006.

8) Compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen and one of Y¹, Y² and Y³ is SO═N—R⁹ and the remaining Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently CR⁷R⁸, can be made from a compound of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen and one of Y¹, Y² and Y³ is S═N—R⁹ and the remaining Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently CR⁷R⁸, by treatment with an oxidising reagent, such as potassium permanganate, 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (“MCPBA”), sodium periodate/ruthenium(II) oxide, hydrogen peroxide and oxone. One equivalent of oxidising reagent is required to convent a sulfilimine to a sulfoximine. Preferred solvents are tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, ethyl acetate, toluene, dichloromethane and water, or mixtures thereof. The reaction is optionally carried out in the presence of a base, for example a carbonate, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate. The reaction is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature. Alternatively, this transformation can be carried out on an amine of formula (III) or on a protected form of an amine of formula (III). For protecting groups suitable for amines, see, for example, Greene's Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4th Edition, P. G. M. Wuts, T. W. Greene, October 2006.

9) Compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen and one of Y¹, Y² and Y³ is S═N—R⁹ or SO═N—R⁹ and the remaining Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently CR⁷R⁸, can be made from a compound of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen and one of Y¹, Y² and Y³ is S or SO, respectively, and the remaining Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently CR⁷R⁸, by treatment with a reagent, such as sodium azide in sulfuric acid, O-mesitylenesulfonylhydroxylamine (“MSH”), or metal-catalyzed methods such as R⁹N₃/FeCl₂, PhI═N—R⁹/CuOTf, PhI═N—R⁹/Cu(OTf)₂, PhI═N—R⁹/CuPF₆, PhI(OAc)₂/R⁹—NH₂/MgO/Ru₂(OAc)₄ or oxaziridines (e.g. 3-(4-cyano-phenyl)-oxaziridine-2-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester). One equivalent of reagent is required to convert a sulfoxide to a sulfoximine, or a sulfide to a sulfilimine. Alternatively, these transformations can be carried out on an amine of formula (III) or on a protected form of an amine of formula (III). For protecting groups suitable for amines, see, for example, Greene's Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 4th Edition, P. G. M. Wuts, T. W. Greene, October 2006.

10) Compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is sulfur, may be made by treatment of a compound of formula (II) where G¹ is oxygen and R is OH, C₁-C₆alkoxy or Cl, F or Br, with a thio-transfer reagent such as Lawesson's reagent or phosphorus pentasulfide prior to elaborating to compounds of formula (I), as described under 1).

11) Alternatively, compounds of formula (II) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or tert-butoxy, can be prepared by reaction of an oxime of formula (VIII) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or tert-butoxy, with a halogenating agent followed by a vinyl compound of formula (VI) and base as shown in Scheme 2 in a two step reaction as described under 5).

12) Compounds of formula (VIII) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or tert-butoxy, can be made by reaction of an aldehyde of formula (IX) where G¹ is oxygen and R is methoxy or C₁-C₆alkoxy, for example methoxy or tert-butoxy, with a hydroxylamine, such as hydroxylamine hydrochloride, as described under 6).

13) Compounds of formula (IX) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or tert-butoxy, can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (X) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, for example methoxy or tert-butoxy, and X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, with a formylating agent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide. Such reactions are carried out in the presence of a base, for example a lithium base, such as n-butyl lithium, in the presence of a suitable solvent, for example a polar solvent, such as excess N,N-dimethylformamide. Compounds of formula (X) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or tert-butoxy, are commercially available or can be made by methods known to a person skilled in the art.

14) Alternatively, compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen, can be prepared by reaction of an oxime of formula (XI) where G¹ is oxygen, with a halogenating agent followed by a vinyl compound of formula (VI) and base as shown in Scheme 3 in a two step reaction as described under 5).

15) Compounds of formula (XI) where G¹ is oxygen, can be made by reaction of an aldehyde of formula (XII) where G¹ is oxygen, with a hydroxylamine, such as hydroxylamine hydrochloride as described under 6).

16) Compounds of formula (XII) where G¹ is oxygen, can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (XIII) where G¹ is oxygen and X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, with a formylating agent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide as described under 12).

17) Compounds of formula (XIII) where G¹ is oxygen and X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, can be prepared by reacting an acid derivative of formula (X) where G¹ is oxygen and R is OH, C₁-C₆alkoxy or Cl, F or Br, and X^(B) is a leaving group, for example a halogen, such as bromo, with an amine of formula (III) as described under 1).

18) Alternatively, compounds of formula (I) where G¹ is oxygen, can be made by reaction of an N-hydroxy-amidine of formula (XIV) where G¹ is oxygen, and a vinyl compound of formula (VI) in a two step reaction as shown in Scheme 4. In the first step, the N-hydroxy-amidine of formula (XIV) where G¹ is oxygen, is reacted with a nitrosylation agent, such as sodium nitrite, in the presence of an acid, such as aqueous hydrochloric acid. The first step is carried out at temperatures of from −20° C. to +30° C., preferably from −5° C. to +10° C.

In the second step, the chloro hydroxy imine intermediate of formula (XIV) where G¹ is oxygen, is reacted with the vinyl compound of formula (VI) in the presence of a base, for example an organic base, such as triethylamine, or an inorganic base, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, in the presence of a suitable solvent, for example a polar solvent, such as N,N-dimethylformamide or isopropanol. It is possible to conduct these two steps separately and optionally to isolate the chloro hydroxy imine intermediate or more conveniently to conduct these two steps successively in one reaction vessel without isolation of the intermediate. The second step is carried out at temperatures of from 0° C. to 100° C., preferably from 15° C. to 30° C., in particular at ambient temperature.

19) Compounds of formula (XIV) where G¹ is oxygen, can be made by reaction of a nitrile of formula (XV) where G¹ is oxygen, with a hydroxylamine, such as hydroxylamine hydrochloride as described under 6).

20) Compounds of formula (XV) where G¹ is oxygen, can be prepared by reacting an acid derivative of formula (XVI) where G¹ is oxygen and R is OH, C₁-C₆alkoxy or Cl, F or Br, with an amine of formula (III) as described under 1). Compounds of formula (VXI) where G¹ is oxygen and R is C₁-C₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or tert-butoxy, are commercially available or can be made by methods known to a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, compounds of formula (XV) where G¹ is oxygen, can be prepared by displacing a leaving group of a compound of formula (XII) where G¹ is oxygen, with a cyano group.

The compounds of formula (I) can be used to combat and control infestations of insect pests such as Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, Orthoptera, Dictyoptera, Coleoptera, Siphonaptera, Hymenoptera and Isoptera and also other invertebrate pests, for example, acarine, nematode and mollusc pests. Insects, acarines, nematodes and molluscs are hereinafter collectively referred to as pests. The pests which may be combated and controlled by the use of the invention compounds include those pests associated with agriculture (which term includes the growing of crops for food and fiber products), horticulture and animal husbandry, companion animals, forestry and the storage of products of vegetable origin (such as fruit, grain and timber); those pests associated with the damage of man-made structures and the transmission of diseases of man and animals; and also nuisance pests (such as flies).

Examples of pest species which may be controlled by the compounds of formula (I) include: Myzus persicae (aphid), Aphis gossypii (aphid), Aphis fabae (aphid), Lygus spp. (capsids), Dysdercus spp. (capsids), Nilaparvata lugens (planthopper), Nephotettixc incticeps (leafhopper), Nezara spp. (stinkbugs), Euschistus spp. (stinkbugs), Leptocorisa spp. (stinkbugs), Frankliniella occidentalis (thrip), thrips spp. (thrips), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Anthonomus grandis (boll weevil), Aonidiella spp. (scale insects), Trialeurodes spp. (white flies), Bemisia tabaci (white fly), Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer), Spodoptera littoralis (cotton leafworm), Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), Helicoverpa armigera (cotton bollworm), Helicoverpa zea(cotton bollworm), Sylepta derogata (cotton leaf roller), Pieris brassicae (white butterfly), Plutella xylostella (diamond back moth), Agrotis spp. (cutworms), Chilo suppressalis (rice stem borer), Locusta migratoria (locust), Chortiocetes terminifera (locust), Diabrotica spp. (rootworms), Panonychus ulmi (European red mite), Panonychus citri (citrus red mite), Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite), Tetranychus cinnabarinus (carmine spider mite), Phyllocoptruta oleivora (citrus rust mite), Polyphagotarsonemus latus (broad mite), Brevipalpus spp. (flat mites), Boophilus microplus (cattle tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea), Liriomyza spp. (leafminer), Musca domestica (housefly), Aedes aegypti (mosquito), Anopheles spp. (mosquitoes), Culex spp. (mosquitoes), Lucillia spp. (blowflies), Blattella germanica (cockroach), Periplaneta americana (cockroach), Blatta orientalis (cockroach), termites of the Mastotermitidae (for example Mastotermes spp.), the Kalotermitidae (for example Neotermes spp.), the Rhinotermitidae (for example Coptotermes formosanus, Reticulitermes flavipes, R. speratu, R. virginicus, R. hesperus, and R. santonensis) and the Termitidae (for example Globitermes sulfureus), Solenopsis geminata (fire ant), Monomorium pharaonis (pharaoh's ant), Damalinia spp. and Linognathus spp. (biting and sucking lice), Meloidogyne spp. (root knot nematodes), Globodera spp. and Heterodera spp. (cyst nematodes), Pratylenchus spp. (lesion nematodes), Rhodopholus spp. (banana burrowing nematodes), Tylenchulus spp. (citrus nematodes), Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm), Caenorhabditis elegans _(—) (vinegar eelworm), Trichostrongylus spp. (gastro intestinal nematodes) and Deroceras reticulatum (slug).

The invention therefore provides a method of combating and controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs which comprises applying an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or a composition containing a compound of formula (I), to a pest, a locus of pest, preferably a plant, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a pest. The compounds of formula (I) are preferably used against insects, acarines or nematodes.

The term “plant” as used herein includes seedlings, bushes and trees.

Crops are to be understood as also including those crops which have been rendered tolerant to herbicides or classes of herbicides (e.g. ALS-, GS-, EPSPS-, PPO- and HPPD-inhibitors) by conventional methods of breeding or by genetic engineering. An example of a crop that has been rendered tolerant to imidazolinones, e.g. imazamox, by conventional methods of breeding is Clearfield® summer rape (canola). Examples of crops that have been rendered tolerant to herbicides by genetic engineering methods include e.g. glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant maize varieties commercially available under the trade names RoundupReady® and LibertyLink®.

Crops are also to be understood as being those which have been rendered resistant to harmful insects by genetic engineering methods, for example Bt maize (resistant to European corn borer), Bt cotton (resistant to cotton boll weevil) and also Bt potatoes (resistant to Colorado beetle). Examples of Bt maize are the Bt 176 maize hybrids of NK® (Syngenta Seeds). Examples of transgenic plants comprising one or more genes that code for an insecticidal resistance and express one or more toxins are KnockOut® (maize), Yield Gard® (maize), NuCOTIN33B® (cotton), Bollgard® (cotton), NewLeaf® (potatoes), NatureGard® and Protexcta®.

Plant crops or seed material thereof can be both resistant to herbicides and, at the same time, resistant to insect feeding (“stacked” transgenic events). For example, seed can have the ability to express an insecticidal Cry3 protein while at the same time being tolerant to glyphosate.

Crops are also to be understood as being those which are obtained by conventional methods of breeding or genetic engineering and contain so-called output traits (e.g. improved storage stability, higher nutritional value and improved flavor).

In order to apply a compound of formula (I) as an insecticide, acaricide, nematicide or molluscicide to a pest, a locus of pest, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a pest, a compound of formula (I) is usually formulated into a composition which includes, in addition to the compound of formula (I), a suitable inert diluent or carrier and, optionally, a surface active agent (SFA). SFAs are chemicals which are able to modify the properties of an interface (for example, liquid/solid, liquid/air or liquid/liquid interfaces) by lowering the interfacial tension and thereby leading to changes in other properties (for example dispersion, emulsification and wetting). It is preferred that all compositions (both solid and liquid formulations) comprise, by weight, 0.0001 to 95%, more preferably 1 to 85%, for example 5 to 60%, of a compound of formula (I). The composition is generally used for the control of pests such that a compound of formula (I) is applied at a rate of from 0.1 g to 10 kg per hectare, preferably from 1 g to 6 kg per hectare, more preferably from 1 g to 1 kg per hectare.

When used in a seed dressing, a compound of formula (I) is used at a rate of 0.0001 g to 10 g (for example 0.001 g or 0.05 g), preferably 0.005 g to 10 g, more preferably 0.005 g to 4 g, per kilogram of seed.

In another aspect the present invention provides an insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal composition comprising an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and a suitable carrier or diluent therefor. The composition is preferably an insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal composition.

The compositions can be chosen from a number of formulation types, including dustable powders (DP), soluble powders (SP), water soluble granules (SG), water dispersible granules (WG), wettable powders (WP), granules (GR) (slow or fast release), soluble concentrates (SL), oil miscible liquids (OL), ultra low volume liquids (UL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), dispersible concentrates (DC), emulsions (both oil in water (EW) and water in oil (EO)), micro-emulsions (ME), suspension concentrates (SC), aerosols, fogging/smoke formulations, capsule suspensions (CS) and seed treatment formulations. The formulation type chosen in any instance will depend upon the particular purpose envisaged and the physical, chemical and biological properties of the compound of formula (I).

Dustable powders (DP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of formula (I) with one or more solid diluents (for example natural clays, kaolin, pyrophyllite, bentonite, alumina, montmorillonite, kieselguhr, chalk, diatomaceous earths, calcium phosphates, calcium and magnesium carbonates, sulfur, lime, flours, talc and other organic and inorganic solid carriers) and mechanically grinding the mixture to a fine powder.

Soluble powders (SP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of formula (I) with one or more water-soluble inorganic salts (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or magnesium sulfate) or one or more water-soluble organic solids (such as a polysaccharide) and, optionally, one or more wetting agents, one or more dispersing agents or a mixture of said agents to improve water dispersibility/solubility. The mixture is then ground to a fine powder. Similar compositions may also be granulated to form water soluble granules (SG).

Wettable powders (WP) may be prepared by mixing a compound of formula (I) with one or more solid diluents or carriers, one or more wetting agents and, preferably, one or more dispersing agents and, optionally, one or more suspending agents to facilitate the dispersion in liquids. The mixture is then ground to a fine powder. Similar compositions may also be granulated to form water dispersible granules (WG).

Granules (GR) may be formed either by granulating a mixture of a compound of formula (I) and one or more powdered solid diluents or carriers, or from pre-formed blank granules by absorbing a compound of formula (I) (or a solution thereof, in a suitable agent) in a porous granular material (such as pumice, attapulgite clays, fuller's earth, kieselguhr, diatomaceous earths or ground corn cobs) or by adsorbing a compound of formula (I) (or a solution thereof, in a suitable agent) on to a hard core material (such as sands, silicates, mineral carbonates, sulfates or phosphates) and drying if necessary. Agents which are commonly used to aid absorption or adsorption include solvents (such as aliphatic and aromatic petroleum solvents, alcohols, ethers, ketones and esters) and sticking agents (such as polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl alcohols, dextrins, sugars and vegetable oils). One or more other additives may also be included in granules (for example an emulsifying agent, wetting agent or dispersing agent).

Dispersible Concentrates (DC) may be prepared by dissolving a compound of formula (I) in water or an organic solvent, such as a ketone, alcohol or glycol ether. These solutions may contain a surface active agent (for example to improve water dilution or prevent crystallization in a spray tank).

Emulsifiable concentrates (EC) or oil-in-water emulsions (EW) may be prepared by dissolving a compound of formula (I) in an organic solvent (optionally containing one or more wetting agents, one or more emulsifying agents or a mixture of said agents). Suitable organic solvents for use in ECs include aromatic hydrocarbons (such as alkylbenzenes or alkylnaphthalenes, exemplified by SOLVESSO 100, SOLVESSO 150 and SOLVESSO 200; SOLVESSO is a Registered Trade Mark), ketones (such as cyclohexanone or methylcyclohexanone) and alcohols (such as benzyl alcohol, furfuryl alcohol or butanol), N-alkylpyrrolidones (such as N-methylpyrrolidone or N-octylpyrrolidone), dimethyl amides of fatty acids (such as C₈-C₁₀ fatty acid dimethylamide) and chlorinated hydrocarbons. An EC product may spontaneously emulsify on addition to water, to produce an emulsion with sufficient stability to allow spray application through appropriate equipment. Preparation of an EW involves obtaining a compound of formula (I) either as a liquid (if it is not a liquid at room temperature, it may be melted at a reasonable temperature, typically below 70° C.) or in solution (by dissolving it in an appropriate solvent) and then emulsifiying the resultant liquid or solution into water containing one or more SFAs, under high shear, to produce an emulsion. Suitable solvents for use in EWs include vegetable oils, chlorinated hydrocarbons (such as chlorobenzenes), aromatic solvents (such as alkylbenzenes or alkylnaphthalenes) and other appropriate organic solvents which have a low solubility in water.

Microemulsions (ME) may be prepared by mixing water with a blend of one or more solvents with one or more SFAs, to produce spontaneously a thermodynamically stable isotropic liquid formulation. A compound of formula (I) is present initially in either the water or the solvent/SFA blend. Suitable solvents for use in MEs include those hereinbefore described for use in ECs or in EWs. An ME may be either an oil-in-water or a water-in-oil system (which system is present may be determined by conductivity measurements) and may be suitable for mixing water-soluble and oil-soluble pesticides in the same formulation. An ME is suitable for dilution into water, either remaining as a microemulsion or forming a conventional oil-in-water emulsion.

Suspension concentrates (SC) may comprise aqueous or non-aqueous suspensions of finely divided insoluble solid particles of a compound of formula (I). SCs may be prepared by ball or bead milling the solid compound of formula (I) in a suitable medium, optionally with one or more dispersing agents, to produce a fine particle suspension of the compound.

One or more wetting agents may be included in the composition and a suspending agent may be included to reduce the rate at which the particles settle. Alternatively, a compound of formula (I) may be dry milled and added to water, containing agents hereinbefore described, to produce the desired end product.

Aerosol formulations comprise a compound of formula (I) and a suitable propellant (for example n-butane). A compound of formula (I) may also be dissolved or dispersed in a suitable medium (for example water or a water miscible liquid, such as n-propanol) to provide compositions for use in non-pressurized, hand-actuated spray pumps.

A compound of formula (I) may be mixed in the dry state with a pyrotechnic mixture to form a composition suitable for generating, in an enclosed space, a smoke containing the compound.

Capsule suspensions (CS) may be prepared in a manner similar to the preparation of EW formulations but with an additional polymerization stage such that an aqueous dispersion of oil droplets is obtained, in which each oil droplet is encapsulated by a polymeric shell and contains a compound of formula (I) and, optionally, a carrier or diluent therefor. The polymeric shell may be produced by either an interfacial polycondensation reaction or by a coacervation procedure. The compositions may provide for controlled release of the compound of formula (I) and they may be used for seed treatment. A compound of formula (I) may also be formulated in a biodegradable polymeric matrix to provide a slow, controlled release of the compound.

A composition may include one or more additives to improve the biological performance of the composition (for example by improving wetting, retention or distribution on surfaces; resistance to rain on treated surfaces; or uptake or mobility of a compound of formula (I)). Such additives include surface active agents, spray additives based on oils, for example certain mineral oils or natural plant oils (such as soy bean and rape seed oil), and blends of these with other bio-enhancing adjuvants (ingredients which may aid or modify the action of a compound of formula (I)).

A compound of formula (I) may also be formulated for use as a seed treatment, for example as a powder composition, including a powder for dry seed treatment (DS), a water soluble powder (SS) or a water dispersible powder for slurry treatment (WS), or as a liquid composition, including a flowable concentrate (FS), a solution (LS) or a capsule suspension (CS). The preparations of DS, SS, WS, FS and LS compositions are very similar to those of, respectively, DP, SP, WP, SC and DC compositions described above. Compositions for treating seed may include an agent for assisting the adhesion of the composition to the seed (for example a mineral oil or a film-forming barrier).

Wetting agents, dispersing agents and emulsifying agents may be surface SFAs of the cationic, anionic, amphoteric or non-ionic type.

Suitable SFAs of the cationic type include quaternary ammonium compounds (for example cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide), imidazolines and amine salts.

Suitable anionic SFAs include alkali metals salts of fatty acids, salts of aliphatic monoesters of sulfuric acid (for example sodium lauryl sulfate), salts of sulfonated aromatic compounds (for example sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, butylnaphthalene sulfonate and mixtures of sodium di-isopropyl- and tri-isopropyl-naphthalene sulfonates), ether sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates (for example sodium laureth-3-sulfate), ether carboxylates (for example sodium laureth-3-carboxylate), phosphate esters (products from the reaction between one or more fatty alcohols and phosphoric acid (predominately mono-esters) or phosphorus pentoxide (predominately di-esters), for example the reaction between lauryl alcohol and tetraphosphoric acid; additionally these products may be ethoxylated), sulfosuccinamates, paraffin or olefine sulfonates, taurates and lignosulfonates.

Suitable SFAs of the amphoteric type include betaines, propionates and glycinates.

Suitable SFAs of the non-ionic type include condensation products of alkylene oxides, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide or mixtures thereof, with fatty alcohols (such as oleyl alcohol or cetyl alcohol) or with alkylphenols (such as octylphenol, nonylphenol or octylcresol); partial esters derived from long chain fatty acids or hexitol anhydrides; condensation products of said partial esters with ethylene oxide; block polymers (comprising ethylene oxide and propylene oxide); alkanolamides; simple esters (for example fatty acid polyethylene glycol esters); amine oxides (for example lauryl dimethyl amine oxide); and lecithins.

Suitable suspending agents include hydrophilic colloids (such as polysaccharides, polyvinylpyrrolidone or sodium carboxymethylcellulose) and swelling clays (such as bentonite or attapulgite).

A compound of formula (I) may be applied by any of the known means of applying pesticidal compounds. For example, it may be applied, formulated or unformulated, to the pests or to a locus of the pests (such as a habitat of the pests, or a growing plant liable to infestation by the pests) or to any part of the plant, including the foliage, stems, branches or roots, to the seed before it is planted or to other media in which plants are growing or are to be planted (such as soil surrounding the roots, the soil generally, paddy water or hydroponic culture systems), directly or it may be sprayed on, dusted on, applied by dipping, applied as a cream or paste formulation, applied as a vapor or applied through distribution or incorporation of a composition (such as a granular composition or a composition packed in a water-soluble bag) in soil or an aqueous environment.

A compound of formula (I) may also be injected into plants or sprayed onto vegetation using electrodynamic spraying techniques or other low volume methods, or applied by land or aerial irrigation systems.

Compositions for use as aqueous preparations (aqueous solutions or dispersions) are generally supplied in the form of a concentrate containing a high proportion of the active ingredient, the concentrate being added to water before use. These concentrates, which may include DCs, SCs, ECs, EWs, MEs, SGs, SPs, WPs, WGs and CSs, are often required to withstand storage for prolonged periods and, after such storage, to be capable of addition to water to form aqueous preparations which remain homogeneous for a sufficient time to enable them to be applied by conventional spray equipment. Such aqueous preparations may contain varying amounts of a compound of formula (I) (for example 0.0001 to 10%, by weight) depending upon the purpose for which they are to be used.

A compound of formula (I) may be used in mixtures with fertilizers (for example nitrogen-, potassium- or phosphorus-containing fertilizers). Suitable formulation types include granules of fertilizer. The mixtures preferably contain up to 25% by weight of the compound of formula (I).

The invention therefore also provides a fertilizer composition comprising a fertilizer and a compound of formula (I).

The compositions of this invention may contain other compounds having biological activity, for example micronutrients or compounds having fungicidal activity or which possess plant growth regulating, herbicidal, insecticidal, nematicidal or acaricidal activity.

The compound of formula (I) may be the sole active ingredient of the composition or it may be admixed with one or more additional active ingredients such as a pesticide, fungicide, synergist, herbicide or plant growth regulator where appropriate. An additional active ingredient may: provide a composition having a broader spectrum of activity or increased persistence at a locus; synergize the activity or complement the activity (for example by increasing the speed of effect or overcoming repellency) of the compound of formula (I); or help to overcome or prevent the development of resistance to individual components. The particular additional active ingredient will depend upon the intended utility of the composition. Examples of suitable pesticides include the following:

a) Pyrethroids, such as permethrin, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, deltamethrin, cyhalothrin (in particular lambda-cyhalothrin), bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, cyfluthrin, tefluthrin, fish safe pyrethroids (for example ethofenprox), natural pyrethrin, tetramethrin, S-bioallethrin, fenfluthrin, prallethrin or 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl-(E)-(1R,3S)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-oxothiolan-3-ylidenemethyl)cyclopropane carboxylate; b) Organophosphates, such as profenofos, sulprofos, acephate, methyl parathion, azinphos-methyl, demeton-s-methyl, heptenophos, thiometon, fenamiphos, monocrotophos, profenofos, triazophos, methamidophos, dimethoate, phosphamidon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, phosalone, terbufos, fensulfothion, fonofos, phorate, phoxim, pirimiphos-methyl, pirimiphos-ethyl, fenitrothion, fosthiazate or diazinon; c) Carbamates (including aryl carbamates), such as pirimicarb, triazamate, cloethocarb, carbofuran, furathiocarb, ethiofencarb, aldicarb, thiofurox, carbosulfan, bendiocarb, fenobucarb, propoxur, methomyl or oxamyl; d) Benzoyl ureas, such as diflubenzuron, triflumuron, hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron or chlorfluazuron; e) Organic tin compounds, such as cyhexatin, fenbutatin oxide or azocyclotin; f) Pyrazoles, such as tebufenpyrad and fenpyroximate; g) Macrolides, such as avermectins or milbemycins, for example abamectin, emamectin benzoate, ivermectin, milbemycin, spinosad, azadirachtin or spinetoram; h) Hormones or pheromones; i) Organochlorine compounds, such as endosulfan (in particular alpha-endosulfan), benzene hexachloride, DDT, chlordane or dieldrin; j) Amidines, such as chlordimeform or amitraz; k) Fumigant agents, such as chloropicrin, dichloropropane, methyl bromide or metam; l) Neonicotinoid compounds, such as imidacloprid, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, nithiazine or flonicamid; m) Diacylhydrazines, such as tebufenozide, chromafenozide or methoxyfenozide; n) Diphenyl ethers, such as diofenolan or pyriproxifen;

o) Indoxacarb; p) Chlorfenapyr; q) Pymetrozine;

r) Spirotetramat, spirodiclofen or spiromesifen; s) Diamides, such as flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole or cyantraniliprole;

t) Sulfoxaflor; or u) Metaflumizone.

In addition to the major chemical classes of pesticide listed above, other pesticides having particular targets may be employed in the composition, if appropriate for the intended utility of the composition. For instance, selective insecticides for particular crops, for example stemborer specific insecticides (such as cartap) or hopper specific insecticides (such as buprofezin) for use in rice may be employed. Alternatively insecticides or acaricides specific for particular insect species/stages may also be included in the compositions (for example acaricidal ovo-larvicides, such as clofentezine, flubenzimine, hexythiazox or tetradifon; acaricidal motilicides, such as dicofol or propargite; acaricides, such as bromopropylate or chlorobenzilate; or growth regulators, such as hydramethylnon, cyromazine, methoprene, chlorfluazuron or diflubenzuron).

Examples of fungicidal compounds which may be included in the composition of the invention are (E)-N-methyl-2-[2-(2,5-dimethylphenoxymethyl)phenyl]-2-methoxyiminoacetamide (SSF-129), 4-bromo-2-cyano-N,N-dimethyl-6-trifluoromethyl-benzimidazole-1-sulfonamide, α-[N-(3-chloro-2,6-xylyl)-2-methoxyacetamidol-γ-butyrolactone, 4-chloro-2-cyano-N,N-dimethyl-5-p-tolylimidazole-1-sulfonamide (IKF-916, cyamidazosulfamid), 3-5-dichloro-N-(3-chloro-1-ethyl-1-methyl-2-oxopropyl)-4-methylbenzamide (RH-7281, zoxamide), N-allyl-4,5-dimethyl-2-trimethylsilylthiophene-3-carboxamide (MON65500), N-(1-cyano-1,2-dimethylpropyl)-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionamide (AC382042), N-(2-methoxy-5-pyridyl)-cyclopropane carboxamide, acibenzolar (CGA245704), alanycarb, aldimorph, anilazine, azaconazole, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benomyl, biloxazol, bitertanol, blasticidin S, bromuconazole, bupirimate, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carbendazim chlorhydrate, carboxin, carpropamid, carvone, CGA41396, CGA41397, chinomethionate, chlorothalonil, chlorozolinate, clozylacon, copper containing compounds such as copper oxychloride, copper oxyquinolate, copper sulfate, copper tallate and Bordeaux mixture, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, debacarb, di-2-pyridyl disulfide 1,1′-dioxide, dichlofluanid, diclomezine, dicloran, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, difenzoquat, diflumetorim, O,O-di-iso-propyl-S-benzyl thiophosphate, dimefluazole, dimetconazole, dimethomorph, dimethirimol, diniconazole, dinocap, dithianon, dodecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dodemorph, dodine, doguadine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, ethirimol, ethyl(Z)—N-benzyl-N([methyl(methyl-thioethylideneaminooxycarbonyl)amino]thio)-β-alaninate, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone (RPA407213), fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid (KBR2738), fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin acetate, fentin hydroxide, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flumetover, fluoroimide, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, guazatine, hexaconazole, hydroxyisoxazole, hymexazole, imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iminoctadine triacetate, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb (SZX0722), isopropanyl butyl carbamate, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kresoxim-methyl, LY186054, LY211795, LY248908, mancozeb, maneb, mefenoxam, mepanipyrim, mepronil, metalaxyl, metconazole, metiram, metiram-zinc, metominostrobin, myclobutanil, neoasozin, nickel dimethyldithiocarbamate, nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol, ofurace, organomercury compounds, oxadixyl, oxasulfuron, oxolinic acid, oxpoconazole, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, phenazin oxide, phosetyl-A¹, phosphorus acids, phthalide, picoxystrobin (ZA1963), polyoxin D, polyram, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, propionic acid, pyrazophos, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, pyroxyfur, pyrrolnitrin, quaternary ammonium compounds, quinomethionate, quinoxyfen, quintozene, sipconazole (F-155), sodium pentachlorophenate, spiroxamine, streptomycin, sulfur, tebuconazole, tecloftalam, tecnazene, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamid, 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, timibenconazole, tolclofos-methyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazbutil, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin (CGA279202), triforine, triflumizole, triticonazole, validamycin A, vapam, vinclozolin, zineb and ziram.

The compounds of formula (I) may be mixed with soil, peat or other rooting media for the protection of plants against seed-borne, soil-borne or foliar fungal diseases.

Examples of suitable synergists for use in the compositions include piperonyl butoxide, sesamex, safroxan and dodecyl imidazole.

Suitable herbicides and plant-growth regulators for inclusion in the compositions will depend upon the intended target and the effect required.

An example of a rice selective herbicide which may be included is propanil. An example of a plant growth regulator for use in cotton is PIX™.

Some mixtures may comprise active ingredients which have significantly different physical, chemical or biological properties such that they do not easily lend themselves to the same conventional formulation type. In these circumstances other formulation types may be prepared. For example, where one active ingredient is a water insoluble solid and the other a water insoluble liquid, it may nevertheless be possible to disperse each active ingredient in the same continuous aqueous phase by dispersing the solid active ingredient as a suspension (using a preparation analogous to that of an SC) but dispersing the liquid active ingredient as an emulsion (using a preparation analogous to that of an EW). The resultant composition is a suspoemulsion (SE) formulation.

The following Examples illustrate, but do not limit, the invention.

PREPARATION EXAMPLES

The following abbreviations were used in this section: s=singlet; bs=broad singlet; d=doublet; dd=double doublet; dt=double triplet; t=triplet, tt=triple triplet, q=quartet, sept=septet; m=multiplet; Me=methyl; Et=ethyl; Pr=propyl; Bu=butyl; M.p.=melting point; RT=retention time, [M+H]⁺=molecular mass of the molecular cation, [M−H]⁻=molecular mass of the molecular anion.

The following LC-MS methods were used to characterize the compounds:

Method A

MS ZQ Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, source temperature (° C.) 100, desolvation temperature (° C.) 250, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 50, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 400, mass range: 150 to 1000 Da. LC HP 1100 HPLC from Agilent: solvent degasser, quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Phenomenex Gemini C18, length (mm) 30, internal diameter (mm) 3, particle size (μm) 3, temperature (° C.) 60, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.05% v/v formic acid in water and B = 0.04% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile/methanol (4:1). Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 95 5.0 1.7 2.0 0.0 100 1.7 2.8 0.0 100 1.7 2.9 95 5.0 1.7

Method B

MS ZMD Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, extractor (V) 3.00, source temperature (° C.) 150, desolvation temperature (° C.) 320, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 50, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 400, mass range: 150 to 800 Da. LC Alliance 2795 LC HPLC from Waters: quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Waters Atlantis dc18, length (mm) 20, internal diameter (mm) 3, particle size (μm) 3, temperature (° C.) 40, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.1% v/v formic acid in water and B = 0.1% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile. Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 80 20 1.7 5.0 0.0 100 1.7 5.6 0.0 100 1.7 6.0 80 20 1.7

Method C

MS ZQ Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, extractor (V) 3.00, source temperature (° C.) 100, desolvation temperature (° C.) 200, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 200, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 250, mass range: 150 to 800 Da. LC 1100er Series HPLC from Agilent: quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Waters Atlantis dc18, length (mm) 20, internal diameter (mm) 3, particle size (μm) 3, temperature (° C.) 40, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.1% v/v formic acid in water and B = 0.1% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile. Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 90 10 1.7 5.5 0.0 100 1.7 5.8 0.0 100 1.7 5.9 90 10 1.7

Method D

MS ZMD Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, extractor (V) 3.00, source temperature (° C.) 150, desolvation temperature (° C.) 320, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 50, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 400, mass range: 150 to 800 Da. LC Alliance 2795 LC HPLC from Waters: quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Waters Atlantis dc18, length (mm) 20, internal diameter (mm) 3, particle size (μm) 3, temperature (° C.) 40, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.1% v/v formic acid in water and B = 0.1% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile. Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 80 20 1.7 2.5 0.0 100 1.7 2.8 0.0 100 1.7 2.9 80 20 1.7

Method E

MS ZQ Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: positive ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 30.00, extractor (V) 3.00, source temperature (° C.) 100, desolvation temperature (° C.) 200, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 200, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 250, mass range: 150 to 800 Da. LC 1100er Series HPLC from Agilent: quaternary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Waters Atlantis dc18, length (mm) 20, internal diameter (mm) 3, particle size (μm) 3, temperature (° C.) 40, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.1% v/v formic acid in water and B = 0.1% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile. Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 80 20 1.7 2.5 0.0 100 1.7 2.8 0.0 100 1.7 2.9 80 20 1.7

Method F

MS ZQ Mass Spectrometer from Waters (single quadrupole mass spectrometer), ionization method: electrospray, polarity: negative ionization, capillary (kV) 3.00, cone (V) 45.00, source temperature (° C.) 100, desolvation temperature (° C.) 250, cone gas flow (L/Hr) 50, desolvation gas flow (L/Hr) 400, mass range: 150 to 1000 Da. LC HP 1100 HPLC from Agilent: solvent degasser, binary pump, heated column compartment and diode-array detector. Column: Phenomenex Gemini C18, length (mm) 30, internal diameter (mm) 3, particle size (μm) 3, temperature (° C.) 60, DAD wavelength range (nm): 200 to 500, solvent gradient: A = 0.05% v/v formic acid in water and B = 0.04% v/v formic acid in acetonitrile/ methanol (4:1). Time (min) A % B % Flow (ml/min) 0.0 95 5.0 1.7 2.0 0.0 100 1.7 2.8 0.0 100 1.7 2.9 95 5.0 1.7 3.1 95 5 1.7

Example P1 General Method A for Preparing the Compounds of the Invention in Parallel

This general method A was used to prepare a number of compounds (Compound No. A1 to A5 of Table A) in parallel.

To a solution of the appropriate carboxylic acid (30 μmol), for example 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (made as described in WO 2007/079162) for Compound A1 of Table A, in N,N-dimethylacetamide (“DMA”) (0.4 ml) was added a solution of the appropriate amine (36 μmol), for example 3-methyl-thietan-3-ylamine (made as described in WO 2007/080131) for Compound A1 of Table A, in N,N-dimethylacetamide (0.145 ml) followed by diisopropylethylamine (Hunig's base) (0.04 ml, 60 μmol) and a solution of bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphonic chloride (“BOP-Cl”) (15.3 mg) in N,N-dimethylacetamide (0.2 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 hours at 100° C. Then the mixture was diluted with acetonitrile (0.6 ml) and a sample was used for the LC-MS analysis. The remaining mixture was further diluted with acetonitrile/N,N-dimethylformamide (4:1) (0.8 ml) and purified by HPLC to give the desired compound.

Example P.2 General Method B for Preparing the Compounds of the Invention

This general method B was used to make:

Compound No A6 of Table A from 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (Example 1.1).

Compound No A7 of Table A from 8-bromo-4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (Example 2.2).

Compound No A8 of Table A from 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (made as described in WO 2007/079162)

To a solution of the appropriate carboxylic acid, for example, 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (80 mg) (Example 1.1), in dichloromethane (2 ml) was added oxalyl chloride (0.017 ml). After addition of N,N-dimethylformamide (“DMF”) (2 drops) the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to give the acid chloride as a yellow solid, which was used without further purification. Triethylamine (0.063 ml) and the appropriate amine, for example, thietan-3-ylamine (77 mg) (preparation as described in, for example, WO 2007/080131) were added to a solution of the acid chloride residue in dichloromethane (3.5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and ethyl acetate and the phases were separated. The organic phase was washed successively with saturated aqueous hydrogen carbonate (1M) and brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: cylohexane/ethyl acetate) to afford Compound No. A6 of Table A (38 mg) as a solid. M.p. 93° C.

Example 1.1 Preparation of 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid

A sealed tube purged with argon was charged with 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (preparation described in, for example, WO 2007/079162) (454 mg), methyl boronic acid (180 mg), palladium(II) acetate (224 mg), benzoquinone (90 mg), silver carbonate (275 mg), potassium hydrogen phosphate (8265 mg) and tert-butanol (4 ml). The tube was heated at 100° C. under vigorous stirring for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue acidified by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (1N). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, treated with charcoal, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative reverse phase HPLC to give 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-2-methyl-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (100 mg). LC-MS: RT=2.41 min, [M−H]⁻=466/468, Method A. 1H-NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.8 (m, 1H), 8.1 (m, 1H), 7.7-7.4 (m, 6H), 4.3 (d, 1H), 3.9 (d, 1H), 2.6 (s, 3H).

Example 2.1 Preparation of 8-bromo-4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester

A sealed tube purged with argon was charged with 4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (preparation described in, for example, WO 2007/079162) (468 mg), palladium(II) acetate (23 mg), N-bromosuccinimide (“NBS”) (23 mg) and acetic acid (5 ml). The tube was heated at 100° C. under vigorous stiffing for 24 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with water then extracted with ethyl acetate (3×25 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, treated with charcoal, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: dichloromethane/cyclohexane) to afford 8-bromo-4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester. MS [MH+] 548.

Example 2.2 Preparation of 8-bromo-4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid

To a solution of 8-bromo-4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester (Example 8.1) (400 mg) in tetrahydrofuran (3.5 ml) was added a solution of potassium hydroxide (1.9 g) in methanol (3.5 ml) and water (3.5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was then acidified by addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid (4N) and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (3×10 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (3×10 ml) and brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 8-bromo-4-[5-(3,5-dichloro-phenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dihydro-isoxazol-3-yl]-naphthalene-1-carboxylic acid (342 mg). LC-MS: RT=2.41 min, [M−H]⁻=532/534, Method A.

The characteristic values obtained for each compound were the retention time (“RT”, recorded in minutes) and the molecular ion as listed in Table A.

TABLE A (I)

Comp LCMS RT No. L R² Y¹ Y² Y³ R⁵ Method (min) Molecular ion A1 bond 3-Me CH₂ S CH₂ — E 2.25 [M + H]⁺ = 538 A2 bond H CH₂ S CH₂ — E 2.15 [M + H]⁺ = 524 A3 —CH₂— H O CH₂ CH₂ — E 1.92 [M + H]⁺ = 521 A4 bond H CH₂ SO₂ CH₂ — E 2.11 [M − H]⁻ = 555 A5 bond H CH₂ SO CH₂ — E 2.05 [M − H]⁻ = 539 A6 bond H CH₂ S CH₂ 2-Me A 2.26 [M − H]⁻ = 537/539/ A7 bond H CH₂ S CH₂ 3-Br A 2.24 [M − H]⁻ = 603/605 A8 bond H CH₂ O CH₂ — A 2.10 [M − H]⁻ = 509/511 discloses compounds of formula (I) where R³ is trifluoromethyl, R⁴ is 3,5-dichloro-phenyl, G¹ is oxygen, R¹ is hydrogen, and L, R², Y¹, Y², Y³, R⁵ and m are as defined for a compound of formula (I); or a salt or N-oxide thereof.

Biological Examples

This Example illustrates the insecticidal and acaricidal properties of compounds of formula (I). Tests were performed as follows:

Spodoptera littoralis (Egyptian Cotton Leafworm):

Cotton leaf discs were placed on agar in a 24-well microtiter plate and sprayed with test solutions at an application rate of 200 ppm. After drying, the leaf discs were infested with 5 L1 larvae. The samples were checked for mortality, feeding behavior, and growth regulation 3 days after treatment (DAT).

The following compounds gave at least 80% control of Spodoptera littoralis: A1, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

Heliothis virescens (Tobacco Budworm):

Eggs (0-24 h old) were placed in 24-well microtiter plate on artificial diet and treated with test solutions at an application rate of 200 ppm (concentration in well 18 ppm) by pipetting. After an incubation period of 4 days, samples were checked for egg mortality, larval mortality, and growth regulation.

The following compounds gave at least 80% control of Heliothis virescens: A¹, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

Plutella xylostella (Diamond Back Moth):

24-well microtiter plate (MTP) with artificial diet was treated with test solutions at an application rate of 200 ppm (concentration in well 18 ppm) by pipetting. After drying, the MTP's were infested with L2 larvae (7-12 per well). After an incubation period of 6 days, samples were checked for larval mortality and growth regulation.

The following compounds gave at least 80% control of Plutella xylostella: A¹, A2, A4, A5, A⁶, A7, A8.

Diabrotica balteata (Corn Root Worm):

A 24-well microtiter plate (MTP) with artificial diet was treated with test solutions at an application rate of 200 ppm (concentration in well 18 ppm) by pipetting. After drying, the MTP's were infested with L2 larvae (6-10 per well). After an incubation period of 5 days, samples were checked for larval mortality and growth regulation.

The following compounds gave at least 80% control of Diabrotica balteata: A1, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

Thrips tabaci (Onion thrips):

Sunflower leaf discs were placed on agar in a 24-well microtiter plate and sprayed with test solutions at an application rate of 200 ppm. After drying, the leaf discs were infested with an aphid population of mixed ages. After an incubation period of 7 days, samples were checked for mortality.

The following compounds gave at least 80% control of Thrips tabaci: A1, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

Tetranychus urticae (Two-Spotted Spider Mite):

Bean leaf discs on agar in 24-well microtiter plates were sprayed with test solutions at an application rate of 200 ppm. After drying, the leaf discs are infested with mite populations of mixed ages. 8 days later, discs are checked for egg mortality, larval mortality, and adult mortality.

The following compounds gave at least 80% control of Tetranychus urticae: A1, A2, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8.

Compound No. A3 of Table A was not tested. 

1. A compound of formula (I)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of another C—H, C—R⁵, or nitrogen; G¹ is oxygen or sulfur; L is a single bond, or C₁-C₆alkylene; R¹ is hydrogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈alkylcarbonyl-, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; m R² is hydrogen, or C₁-C₈alkyl; R³ is C₁-C₈haloalkyl; R⁴ is aryl or aryl substituted by one to three R⁶, or heteroaryl or heteroaryl substituted by one to three R⁶; Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that at least one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸; each R⁵ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₂-C₈alkenyl, C₂-C₈haloalkenyl, C₂-C₈alkynyl, C₂-C₈haloalkynyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-, aryl or aryl optionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰, or heteroaryl or heteroaryl optionally substituted by one to three R¹⁰; each R⁶ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; each R⁷ and R⁸ is independently hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₈alkyl, or C₁-C₈haloalkyl; each R⁹ is independently hydrogen, cyano, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₈haloalkylcarbonyl-, C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-, C₁-C₈haloalkoxycarbonyl-, C₁-C₈alkylsulfonyl-, C₁-C₈haloalkylsulfonyl-, aryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- or aryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- where the aryl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹¹, or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- or heteroaryl-C₁-C₄alkylene- where the heteroaryl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹¹; and each R¹⁰ and R¹¹ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; or a salt or N-oxide thereof.
 2. A compound according to claim 1 where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of each other C—H or C—R⁵.
 3. A compound according to claim 1 where G¹ is oxygen.
 4. A compound according to claim 1 where L is a single bond.
 5. A compound according to claim 1 where R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, methylcarbonyl-, or methoxycarbonyl-.
 6. A compound according to claim 1 where R² is hydrogen or methyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 1 where R³ is chlorodifluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl.
 8. A compound according to claim 1 where R⁴ is aryl or aryl substituted by one to three R⁶.
 9. A compound according to claim 1 where Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, provided that one of Y¹, Y² or Y³ is not CR⁷R⁸.
 10. A compound according to claim 1 where Y² is C═O, C═N—OR⁹, N—R⁹, O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, and Y¹ and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸.
 11. A compound according to claim 1 where Y² is O, S, SO, SO₂, S═N—R⁹, or SO═N—R⁹, and Y¹ and Y³ are independently of another CR⁷R⁸.
 12. A compound according to claim 1, wherein each R⁵ is independently halogen, cyano, nitro, C₁-C₈alkyl, C₁-C₈haloalkyl, C₂-C₈alkenyl, C₂-C₈haloalkenyl, C₂-C₈alkynyl, C₂-C₈haloalkynyl, C₁-C₈alkoxy, C₁-C₈haloalkoxy, or C₁-C₈alkoxycarbonyl-; each R⁶ is independently bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-; each R⁷ and R⁸ is independently hydrogen or methyl; each R⁹ is independently hydrogen, cyano, methyl, trifluoromethyl, methylcarbonyl-, trifluoromethylcarbonyl-, methoxycarbonyl-, trifluoromethoxycarbonyl-, methylsulfonyl-, trifluoromethylsulfonyl-, or benzyl or benzyl where the phenyl moiety is substituted by one to three R¹⁰; each R¹⁰ is independently bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-; and each R¹¹ is independently bromo, chloro, fluoro, cyano, nitro, methyl, ethyl, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, or methoxycarbonyl-.
 13. A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is a compound of formula (I′)

wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of one another C—H or C—R⁵; L is a single bond; Y¹, Y² and Y³ are independently of one another O, S, SO or SO₂, or CR⁷R⁸, provided that at least two of Y¹, Y² and Y³ are CR⁷R⁸; R¹ is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; R² is hydrogen or methyl; R³ is chlorodifluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl; R⁵, R⁷, R⁸, R¹² and R¹³ are independently of one another hydrogen, halogen C₁-C₄ alkyl or C₁-C₄ haloalkyl.
 14. A compound according to claim 13, wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, and A⁶ are independently of one another C—H or C—R⁵; L is a single bond; Y¹, and Y³ are independently of one another CR⁷R⁸; Y² is O, S, SO or SO₂; R¹ is hydrogen; R² is hydrogen or methyl; R³ is trifluoromethyl; R⁵, is hydrogen, halogen or methyl; R⁷, R⁸ are independently of one another hydrogen or methyl; R¹² and R¹³ are independently of one another fluorine, chlorine or bromine.
 15. A compound of formula (XI)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof; or a compound of formula (XII)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof; or a compound of formula (XIII)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined in claim 1 and X^(B) is a leaving group; or a salt or N-oxide thereof; or a compound of formula (XIV)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof; or a compound of formula (XV)

where A¹, A², A³, A⁴, A⁵, A⁶, G¹, L, R¹, R², Y¹, Y² and Y³ are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof.
 16. A method of combating and controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs which comprises applying to a pest, to a locus of a pest, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a pest an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as defined in claim
 1. 17. An insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal composition comprising an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as defined in claim
 1. 